| Since the early 1980's, vertical blinds have been a very | | | | fabrics are very different in feel and appearance and I |
| popular way to dress windows and doors in the US. | | | | will elaborate on the difference in the following |
| Because of their functionality and because vertical blind | | | | paragraphs. |
| louvers freely hang from their track mechanism, these | | | | Stitch bonded fabrics are manufactured in a process |
| louvers can be fabricated from different types of | | | | with fibers which are compressed and then stitched |
| materials such as fabrics, screens or rigid PVC. In the | | | | through. Sometimes the stitching, which is there in part |
| early days of vertical blinds. louvers were | | | | to hold the material together, is designed in a certain |
| interconnected via a clip and chain in the case of fabric | | | | style in order to create a pattern. These patterns are |
| or screen materials or via a #6 chain which connected | | | | usually linear, running the length of the fabric. Stitch |
| the PVC louvers through a keyhole punch in the vanes. | | | | bonded fabrics, for those who may not know are |
| As the product evolved over the years, this | | | | often used as curtain liners in draperies, and while |
| "interconnecting" has been discontinued as | | | | these materials usually are not as heavy as the type |
| unnecessary and perhaps unsightly. | | | | used in vertical blinds, they do reflect the way the |
| Due to the fact, as previously mentioned, that vertical | | | | fabric is manufactured. They are usually much lower in |
| blind louvers are always free hanging and able to | | | | cost than woven fabric vertical blinds. |
| sway, noise is a factor to be considered whenever a | | | | Conversely, woven fabrics are traditionally |
| purchasing decision is being made. If vertical blinds | | | | manufactured using high-end, fast weaving equipment |
| fabricated of PVC are used to block light or control | | | | which presses one thread down while inserting the |
| radiant heat from entering a room, the consumer must | | | | next thread into place at very high rates of speed and |
| remember that PVC louvers swaying against one | | | | with great accuracy. This process enhances the |
| another will create a bothersome sound which may | | | | durability of the fabric over time thus the reason why it |
| prevent you from a good night's sleep if moved by the | | | | is used to manufacture fabric clothing of all types. One |
| moving force of air from your air conditioning vent. | | | | of the additional benefits of this process is the |
| Due to these concerns with vertical blinds with PVC | | | | production of many of many more styles and patterns |
| louvers, vertical blinds with fabric louvers are not only | | | | when compared to stitch bonding. Regarding vertical |
| an excellent choice but their popularity has proven that | | | | blinds, woven fabrics, albeit more expensive, do project |
| this benefit is desired by many consumers. Additionally, | | | | a finer appearance and will look "new" much longer |
| fabric vertical blinds are available in hundreds of | | | | that stitch bonded fabrics. |
| patterns and colors not available in PVC. Consumers | | | | Based on the aforementioned facts, you can now |
| should also be aware of the different quality levels of | | | | make a right decision when choosing vertical blind |
| fabric louvers which will ultimately affect the way they | | | | fabric louvers. The less expensive stitch bond with a |
| hang, longevity, translucency factors and the ease of | | | | limited selection of patterns and colors or the richer |
| cleaning. High quality fabrics will always hang straight, | | | | looking woven fabric, albeit more expensive, with a |
| last many years and can be easily cleaned with soapy | | | | larger selection of patterns, colors and styles. Your |
| water and damped dry projecting a sharp appearance | | | | decision will affect the appearance of the specific |
| regardless of their age. | | | | space for years to come and a little higher initial cost |
| Most of the vertical blind fabric louvers are | | | | may make a big difference. Invest wisely in your |
| manufactured using two basis methods which are | | | | vertical blinds. |
| weaving and stitch bonding. These two types of | | | | |